In 1990, the University of Wyoming established its first endowed position, the Wold
Chair. Today, the number of endowed positions at UW has soared to more than 90. These
positions -- whether deans, chairs or professorships -- are supported by philanthropy
and bring additional prestige as well as flexible funding, allowing the holders to
strengthen their impact across teaching, research and outreach.
The spring issue of UWyo Magazine highlights these endowed positions, with features
covering their history; donor perspectives; interviews with current endowed faculty;
stewardship of the endowments; programs they benefit; their impact on students and
much more. Readers also will learn about the state’s Wyoming Excellence Chairs.
“Our alumni and friends have stepped forward in inspiring ways,” says outgoing UW
President Ed Seidel. “I am particularly grateful for the growing investment in endowed
deanships and faculty positions ... These endowed chairs and professorships enable
us to recruit and retain exceptional scholars and teachers whose work will shape this
university for generations, and to give them tools to excel. Every endowed position
represents a lasting commitment to excellence.”
These positions impact every area of campus.
“It’s really important for us to support our faculty so that we can attract the brightest
and the best to this university for the benefit of our students,” says Doug Stark
who, together with his wife, Deniz, established the Doug and Deniz Stark Ranch Management
and Agricultural Leadership Professorship in the Ranch Management and Agricultural
Leadership Program in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.
As UW Foundation board chairman, Stark has been instrumental in helping lead the charge
to create more endowed positions.
“It’s really a nice trend, and I think it will continue,” he says. “Donors know and
see the impact that faculty can have on students, and that motivates them.”
Read and share the spring issue of UWyo Magazine at www.uwyo.edu/uwyo-mag.
